Houthi group attacks ship identified as US asset, declares not to hesitate to carry out more operations

On February 12, spokesman Yahya Saria of the Houthi movement in Yemen admitted that this force attacked the commercial ship Star Iris.

Houthi movement spokesman Yahya Saria in Yemen. (Source: Getty Images)

The ship was identified by the Houthis as US property and was attacked while passing through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Speaking on Al Masirah TV, Mr. Saria announced: "Yemeni naval forces attacked the US ship Star Iris in the Red Sea with anti-ship missiles."

According to Houthi officials, the attack was carried out directly and accurately.

Mr. Saria stressed that the Houthi forces will not hesitate to carry out more operations in response to actions targeting them and their country.

Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Organization (UKMTO) announced that the attack occurred before 4:00 a.m. on February 12 (8:00 a.m. the same day - Hanoi time) in an area about 40 nautical miles south of Yemen's Al-Mukha seaport.

According to UKMTO, two missiles were launched towards the ship, but no crew members were injured.

Data from the shipping tracking network Marine Traffic shows that the Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship Star Iris left the Brazilian port of Vila do Conde on January 12 heading to the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini.

Earlier on February 12, the crew reported the ship's location in the central Red Sea.

Also on February 12, British maritime security company Ambrey confirmed that the Greek-owned Star Iris had been hit by two separate missile attacks while transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Ambrey's report said the Star Iris “is believed to have been hit by gunfire and suffered damage to its starboard side,” and revealed the presence of a private armed security team on board.

Ambery said the company that owns Star Iris is listed on the US NASDAQ stock exchange, so this could be the reason why the ship was attacked by Houthi forces.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/nhom-houthi-tan-cong-tau-xac-dinh-la-tai-san-my-tuyen-bo-khong-ngan-ngai-thuc-hien-them-nhieu-chien-dich-260720.html